Applying for a loan modification can often be a trying experience.  Lenders require extensive documentation of your ability to make loan payments (generally 31% of your gross income.) 

Each lender requires, and provides for you, the following forms to be completed:

A Borrower Authorization.  This is only necessary if you have a third party help with the process;

HAMP Request for Modification of Affidavit (RMA).   The RMA is a loan application.   

IRS Form 4506-T , which allows the lender to get your tax returns from the IRS.

Dodd-Frank Certification.  This is a federal requirement.  You certify that you have not, in the last 10 years, been found guilty of certain felonies such as tax evasion or money laundering. 

Proof of Income Documentation

In addition all lenders require the following proof of income documentation.  This generally consists of your most two most recent pay stubs, two most recent bank statements (complete with all pages) and your most recent tax return.

Lenders also want to make sure that you’re actually living in the house so they ask for proof of occupancy—generally a utility bill or phone bill. 

The items listed above are required by all lenders.  Most lenders have their own individual documents that need to be submitted.  Bank of America, for instance, wants a financial worksheet completed.  The worksheet is almost the same as the HAMP RMA.